Method of cleaning human skin

ABSTRACT

A METHOD FOR ENHANCING THE TEXTURE OF SKIN ALONG WITH THE CHARACTERISTICS OF VARIOUS COSMETICS COMPRISING APPLYING TO THE SKIN A COMPOSITION COMPRISING A MINOR AMOUNT, PREFERABLY ABOUT 0.5 TO 20%, WATER-SOLUBLE POLYURETHANE. WHERE THE WATER-SOLUBLE POLYURETHANE IS INTENDED TO REMAIN ON THE SKIN FOR ANY SIGNIFICANT TIME PERIOD, THE COMPOSITION SHOULD ALSO INCLUDE A PLASTICIZER WHICH IS A CO-SOLVENT FOR WATER-SOLUBLE POLYURETHANE AND FOR THE OILS IN THE SKIN.

United States Patent 3,708,435 METHOD OF CLEANING HUMAN SKIN Jesse H. Starkman, 100 Wihnot Road, Deerfield, Ill. 60015 No Drawing. Filed July 2, 1969, Ser. No. 838,702 Int. Cl. Clld 3/26, 3/32, 9/30 US. Cl. 252-544 4 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A method for enhancing the texture of skin along with the characteristics of various cosmetics comprising applying to the skin a composition comprising a minor amount, preferably about 0.5 to 20.0%, water-soluble polyurethane. Where the water-soluble polyurethane is intended to remain on the skin for any significant time period, the composition should also include a plasticizer which is a co-solvent for water-soluble polyurethane and for the oils in the skin.

The present invention relates to an improved method for treating the skin, and more particularly to an improved method of treating the skin by application thereto of compositions comprising water-soluble polyurethane along with a plasticizer.

A very wide variety of compositions and preparations for treatment of or application to the human skin is well known in the art. Such compositions include sun tan oils and cremes, perfumes, colognes, fresheners, bath oils, bubble baths, pre-shaves, shaving creams, aftershaves, hand cleaners, deodorants, anti-perspirants, depilatories, skin bronzers, facial scrubs, foundation lotions, protective lotions, eye shadows, facial masks, hand lotions and creams, mascara, cleansing lotions, face powders, lipsticks, rouge, soaps, and the like.

Generally, the present invention relates to a method for treating the human skin which comprises applying thereto a skin composition comprising a minor amount of water-soluble polyurethane.

More specifically, it has been found that numerous compositions in the above-identified categories may be improved by the incorporation of water-soluble polyurethane, preferably in the range of about 0.5 to 20%, based upon the total weight of the product.

In its most basic embodiment, the present invention simply comprises the application to the skin of a composition comprising water-soluble polyurethane and a plasticizer in a suitable solvent such as water or alcohol. Such a composition is useful, for example, as a facial mask, as a pre-shave, or as a protective lotion wherein its filmforming characteristics produce a smooth, even layer on the skin.

In compositions where the water-soluble polyurethane is to remain on the skin, a plasticizer is generally necessary in order to achieve a smooth application of the watersoluble polyurethane. The important characteristic of such a plasticizer is that it be a co-solvent for water-soluble polyurethane, and for the oils in the skin. At the same time, it should be non-irritating to the skin. Many compositions in the categories previously mentioned contain materials as a portion of their basic make-up that also serve the function of a plasticizer, and therefore the use of an additional plasticizer is not required. However, in the absence of such an ingredient, a plasticizer is generally essential. Suitable plasticizers are well known in the art, and include diethyl phthalate, dioctyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, polyalkylene glycol, glycerin, triethanolamine, glyceryl monostearate, sorbitan monooleate, and the like. Conventional components of skin treatment preparations that serve as a plasticizer are oils such as sesame oil and mineral oil, fatty acids such as stearic acid, fatty esters such as isopropyl myristate, propylene glycol, ethoxylated lanolin, and the like. Virtually, any material which is a co-solvent for water-soluble polyurethane and for the oils in the skin, and which does not irritate the skin, is a suitable plasticizer for use in accordance with the present invention.

A wide variety of water-soluble polyurethanes may be employed in accordance with the present invention, the important aspect being their physical properties rather than their chemical composition. Of course, the watersoluble polyurethanes employed cannot have any groups which produce an adverse or irritating reaction with the skin.

The water-soluble polyurethane should be film-forming. -By the term film-forming it is meant that the polyurethane employed can be cast into a film which melts above room temperature, but preferably below about 150 C. and most preferably below about C. Preferred polyurethanes are those having film extensibility of greater than 5% and more preferably 10% to 25% or more, and a breaking tensile strength, as a 0.005-inch film of at least 10 0 lbs. per square inch and preferably 1000 lbs. per square inch or more. Such polyurethanes usually produce viscosities, as a 25% aqueous solution at 25 C., of from about 1000 centipoises to about 2000 to 10,000 centipoises, or even higher. Those producing viscosities of at least about 10,000 centipoises are preferred.

Virtually any film-forming, water-soluble polyurethane may be used in accordance with the present invention, irrespective of the precise identity of the diisocyanate and the polymerizing agent. A detailed discussion of suitable Water-soluble polyurethanes will be found in US. Pat. No. 3,086,887 to Habib, issued Apr. 23, 1968. Preferred polymrethanes for use in accordance with the present invention are polyethyleneoxy polyurethanes, which contain ethyleneoxy polymeric units between the diisocyanate groups. Such ethyleneoxy polymeric units are defined by the general formula:

wherein x is an integer from about 15 to about 10,000 or even higher. Preferably, x will be an integer between about 45 and 225, and, in the most preferred embodiment, between about 100 and 160.

A wide variety of diisocyanates may be used in the preparation of polyurethanes employed in the compositions of the present invention. Aryl, and especially monophenyl, diisocyanates are preferred. Suitable diisocyanates include tolylcne-2,4-diisocyanate; tolylene-2,6-diisocyanates; m-phenylene diisocyanate, 2,2'-dinitrodiphenylene- 4,4 diisocyanate, cyclohexylphenylene 4,4 diisocyanate, hexamethylene diisocyanate, diphenylene-4,4'-diisocyanate, diphenylmethanel,4'-diisocyanate, di-paraxylylmethane-4,4-diisocyanate, naphthalene-1,4 diisocyanate and the corresponding 1,5 and 2,7 isomers thereof, chlorophenylene2,4-diis0cyanate, and decylohexylmethane-4,4'.

Water-soluble polyurethanes suitable for use in accordance with the present invention are available commercially, and are prepared according to procedures which are well known to those skilled in the art. The precise chemical identity of the polyurethane employed is not nearly so important as its physical properties. That is, it must be water-soluble and capable of forming a film.

As previously discussed, a wide variety of compositions intended for application to the skin may be improved by the addition of water-soluble polyurethane. In a case of colorants to be applied to the skin, such as lipstick, eye shadow, rouge, skin bronzers, mascaras, and the like, the use of water-soluble polyurethane gives improved rubout characteristics, produces a smooth, natural texture on the skin, and enhances the removability of these compositions wlth water while at the same time improving their adherence to the skin and reducing their susceptibility to rub off. In perfumes, colognes, and the like, the water-soluble polyurethane additive holds the perfume on the skin for a longer period of time. In such compositions, the perfume oils serve as a plasticizer, and no additional plasticizers are generally required.

In the case of skin fresheners, bath oils, pre-shaves, after shaves, hand cleaners, bubble baths, depilatories, facial scrubs, hand lotions, cleansing lotions, soaps, and the like, the water-soluble polyurethane produces a smooth lubricity in the use of the product, and also has a smoothing effect on the skin. In addition, the water-soluble polyurethane has a tendency to reduce the drying effect to the skin.

A composition in which the use of water-soluble polyurethane is especially advantageous is shaving cream, wherein the formation of a film of water-soluble polyurethane on the skin significantly improves the smoothness of the shave, and also aids in maintaining a stable lather.

In deodorants and antiperspirants, the water-soluble polyurethane again enhances the smoothness of the skin, and tends to retain the material on the skin for an increased period of time.

In suntan oils and creams, the water-soluble polyurethane helps achieve an even application to the skin, and produces an excellent texture, while at the same time making the suntan product retained longer on the skin.

The specific formulations of products to which watersoluble polyurethane is added to achieve the above-discussed beneficial effects are conventional. If these conventional compositions contain a component which functions as a plasticizer, as previously discussed, the use of an additional plasticizer is not normally required. On the other hand, if such a component is not present, a plasticizer must be added along with the water-soluble polyurethane if even application to the skin is to be achieved.

A suitable suntan oil will normally contain a plasticizer oil such as mineral oil, and therefore it is only necessary to add a sun screening component. The same is true of a suntan cream.

To prepare a skin freshener, a plasticizer is employed together with conventional components such as a lower alkanol and a suitable astringent.

A suitable bath oil comprises, in addition to the watersoluble polyurethane and plasticizer, a skin moisturizer component such as ethoxylated lanolin, and a surfaceactive agent.

A perfume-type product, such as a perfume, a cologne, or an after shave, may be prepared by simply combining the perfume oil with water-soluble polyurethane in a suitable solvent. Generally, this solvent will be a lower alkanol, which evaporates rapidly, athough in some cases the sovent may be water or a water-oil emulsion. In the case of after shaves, additional ingredients such as menthol are also often employed.

A shave cream may be prepared for application to the skin in accordance with the present invention by simply combining a soap and a humectant, as is conventional, with water-soluble polyurethane and a suitable plasticizer. The humectant serves to maintain moistness in the shave cream while it is on the face. The water-soluble polyurethane improves the smoothness of the shave.

In a bubble bath, which simply comprises a conventional foaming agent together with a plasticizer and watersoluble polyurethane, the water-soluble polyurethane additive serves to improve the stability of the foam, and also gives an excellent texture and feel to the skin. Of course, such a basic bubble bath composition may be combined with a bath oil in a formulation similar to that previously described.

Deodorants, anti-perspirants, and depilatories are also improved by the addition of water-soluble polyurethane,

which aids in achieving an even application, and results in an excellent texture to the skin. A deodorant simply comprises an anti-bacterial agent together with watersoluble polyurethane in a suitable vehicle. Optionally, astringents, perfumes, and the like may be added, as is well known in the art. An anti-perspirant is formulated with conventional anti-perspirant ingredients such as aluminum chlorhydroxide together with water-soluble polyurethane and a suitable plasticizer. Other materials, such as perfumes and conventional deodorant ingredients, may also be included, as is well known in the art. In the case of a depilatory, the formulation comprises a conventional depilating agent such as calcium thioglycolate together with suitable buffers, water-soluble polyurethane, and a plasticizer. The buffers should be sufiicient to raise the pH of the composition to the range of about 10.5-12, which is required in order for the depilating agent to be effective.

Skin colorants such as bronzers, eye shadow, mascara, lipstick, rouge, and the like, benefit from the addition of water-soluble polyurethane, particularly in the achievement of improved rub-out characteristics together with enhanced texture to the skin. Basically, such compositions simply comprise a conventional coloring agent together with water-soluble polyurethane and a plasticizer. Other conventional ingredients such as vehicles and/or solvents may also be included. In the case of a lipstick, a lubricant is also generally required.

The use of water-soluble polyurethane also improves many lotions intended for application to the skin, such as foundation lotions, cleansing lotions, hand lotions, and the like. Foundation lotions are intended to leave a very thin film of residue on the skin to serve as a foundation for cosmetics, and generally comprise a conventional emollient lotion of mineral oil, lanolin, and the like. This emollient lotion serves as an excellent plasticizer, and water-souble polyurethane in an appropriate amount is simply added directly to the conventional lotion. A hand lotion will generally comprise water plus a suitable humectant, and is improved in the aforementioned respects by the addition of water-soluble polyurethane and a plasticizer. Finally, a suitable cleansing lotion may be prepared by simply combining emulsifiers with a solvent and water-soluble polyurethane, together with a suitable plasticizer. Such a cleansing lotion will generally include an oil such as mineral oil to moisturize the skin, and in such case this oil has sufficient plasticizing effect that use of an additional plasticizer is not required.

In addition to conventional soap, many skin cleansers are also improved by the addition of water-soluble polyurethane. A waterless hand cleaner may be prepared by combining an emulsifier with soap together with solvent and an emollient such as ethoxylated lanolin and cetyl alcohol. A facial scrub may be prepared by simply combining a suitable surfactant together with an abrasive and water-soluble polyurethane. No plasticizer is ordinarily required in these types of compositions, since they are not intended to remain on the skin. The use of the resin in these materials provides a film for the other materials to evenly cover the skin.

It will be understood, of course, that the foregoing discussion relates primarily to the basic ingredients required for the various compositions discussed, and that numerous additional ingredients may, and often will, be employed. For example, perfumes are commonly added to many products to increase consumer appeal, and to make them more pleasant to use. It will be understood, therefore, that the present invention relates basically to the application of water-soluble polyurethane to the skin, generally in combination with a suitable plasticizer.

The following examples are intended to illustrate the present invention, and should not be construed as limitative, the scope of the invention being determined by the appended claims.

EXAMPLE 1 A protective lotion was prepared in accordance with the following formulation:

Component: Percent by Weight Alcohol 50.0

Water 44.5 Water-soluble polyurethane 5.0 Diethyl phthalate 0.5

In the foregoing formulation, the diethyl phthalate serves as a plasticizer, while the alcohol and water serve as solvents. Any lower alkanol is suitable, ethanol being preferred. The protective lotion prepared in accordance with the above formulation provides excellent smoothness and texture to the skin.

EXAMPLE 2 A pre-shave was prepared in accordance with the following formulation:

Component: Percent by weight Ethanol 77.0 Isopropyl myristate (plasticizer) 10.0 Water-soluble polyurethane 2.0 Hexachlorophene 0. 1 Water 10.0 Perfume 0.9

As can be seen from the above formulation, a suitable pre-shave basically comprises simply a solvent, a plasticizer, and water-soluble polyurethane. Perfume and hexachlorophene are optional components which have been included to further improve the product.

EXAMPLE 3 A suntan oil was prepared in accordance with the following formulation:

Component: Percent by weight 2-ethylhexyl salicylate (sunscreen) 5.0 Sesame oil 40 Mineral oil 52 Water-soluble polyurethane 2 Perfume, colorant, and anti-oxidant 1 In the foregoing formulation, the sesame oil and mineral oil serve as plasticizers, so that the use of additional plasticizer is not required. The use of water-soluble polyurethane aids in achieving even application, provides an excellent texture to the skin, and renders the suntan oil less easily removable.

EXAMPLE 4 A suntan cream was prepared in accordance with the following formulation:

I r i the suntan cream, the water-soluble polyurethane provided advantages similar to those described in connection with the suntan oil.

EXAMPLE 5 A perfume was prepared in accordance with the following formulation:

Component: Percent by weight Perfume oil 8.0 Water-soluble polyurethane 2.0

Alcohol 90.0

The water-soluble polyurethane, by forming a smooth, even film, aids in holding a perfume layer on the skin for a longer period of time than would ordinarily be realized. As previously mentioned, in a perfume formulation, the perfume oil itself serves as a suitable plasticizer. A cologne may be prepared by simply reducing the proportion of perfume oil to the range of about 3-6%.

EXAMPLE 6 A skin freshener was prepared in accordance with the following formulation:

Component: Percent by weight Ethanol 70.0 Aluminum chloride 1.0 Lactic acid 2.0 Water-soluble polyurethane 2.0 Diethyl phthalate 3.0 Perfume 0.5

Water 21.5

The skin freshener prepared in accordance with the above formulation a pleasant astringent effect to the skin, and leaves a smooth texture.

EXAMPLE 7 A bath oil was prepared in accordance with the following formulation:

Component: Percent by weight Ethoxylated lanolin 5.0 Isopropyl myristate 25.0 Water-soluble polyurethane 3.0 Mineral oil 59.0 Polyethylene glycol 400 dilaurate 5.0 Perfume 3.0

In the above formulation, the polyethylene glycol 400 dilaurate acts as a surfactant or spreading agent for the skin moisturizers. These moisturizers have sufficient plasticizing effect that the use of an additional plasticizer is not required. The addition of small amounts of the above formulation to bath water produces a moist, smooth, pleasant feel to the skin.

EXAMPLE 8 A shaving cream was prepared in accordance with the following formulation:

Component: Percent by weight Stearic acid 35.0 Coconut oil 10.0 Potassium hydroxide 6.1 Sodium hydroxide 2.0 Glycerin 8.0 Water 34.4 Water-soluble polyurethane 2.0 Preservative 0.5

Perfume 0.5

In the foregoing formulation, the stearic acid combines with the potassium and sodium hydroxide to form a soap. The use of water-soluble polyurethane enhances the smoothness of the shave by providing a thin, even film on the skin.

EXAMPLE 9 An after-shave was prepared in accordance with the following formulation:

Component: Percent by weight Ethanol 50.0 Propylene glycol 5.0 Menthol 0.1 Water-soluble polyurethane 2.0 Perfume 1.0 Water 41.9

The foregoing formulation is somewhat similar to a simple perfume or cologne formulation, except that the percentage of perfume is quite low, so that the use of an additional plasticizer, in this case propylene glycol, is desirable. In addition, menthol has been included in the foregoing formulation to provide a cooling effect on the skin. Again, an excellent texture is contributed to the skin, while the water-soluble polyurethane also makes the fragrance of the after-shave last for a longer period of time.

EXAMPLE A waterless hand cleaner was prepared in accordance with the following formulation:

Component: Percent by weight Glyceryl monostearate 5.0 Stearic acid 5.0 Cetyl alcohol 2.0 Ethoxylated lanolin 3.0 Odorless mineral spirits 25.0 Glycerin 5.0 Triethanolamine 2.0 Water-soluble polyurethane 3.0 Perfume 0.5 Water 49.5

When used to cleanse the skin, a waterless hand cleaner prepared in accordance with the above formulation has a smoothing effect, and retards the normal drying action which occurs when the skin is cleansed.

EXAMPLE 11 A deodorant was prepared in accordance with the following formulation:

Component: Percent by weight Zinc phenol sulfonate 3.0 Ethanol 30.

Propylene glycol 5.0 Hexachlorophene 1.0 Water-soluble polyurethane 2.0 Water 59.0

Of course, a wide variety of deodorant formulations are known in the art, and the above is considered representative. The use of water-soluble polyurethane provides for even application of deodorant, and contributes a smoothing effect to the skin.

EXAMPLE 12 An anti-perspirant was prepared in accordance with the following formulation:

Component: Percent by weight Emulsifier 5.0 Ethoxylated lanolin 2.0 Cetyl alcohol 2.0 Glycerin 2.0 Ethoxylated lauryl alcohol 2.0 Magnesium aluminum silicate (thickener) 1.0 Water 48.0

Aluminum chlorohydroxide 36.0 Water-soluble polyurethane 2.0 The use of water-soluble polyurethane in this formulation contributes similar benefits to those achieved with the deodorant, and in addition, such a composition retards perspiration.

EXAMPLE 13 A depilatory was prepared in accordance with the following formulation:

Component: Percent by weight Calcium thioglycolate trihydrate 6.0 Calcium carbonate 21. Calcium hydroxide 1.5 Cetyl alcohol flakes 4.5 Sodium lauryl sulfate 0.5 Sodium silicate solution (42.5 Baum) 3.5 Water-soluble polyurethane 2.0 Perfume -1 0.5 Distilled water 60.5

In the above formulation, the water-soluble polyurethane not only contributes a smoother feel to the skin, but also mitigates the effect of the high pH found in depilatories.

EXAMPLE 14 An all-purpose stick was prepared in accordance with the following formulation:

Component: Percent by weight Ethoxylated lanolin 3.0 Sodium stearate (binder) 6.0 Sorbitol 3.0 Ethanol 35.0 Water-soluble polyurethane 3.0 Perfume 0.5

Water 49.5

The above-described all-purpose stick may be used as a cologne, an after-bath application, etc. The water-soluble polyurethane makes even application of the stick easy to obtain, and also improves the texture of the skin.

EXAMPLE 15 A bubble bath was prepared in accordance with the following formulation:

Component: Percent by weight Triethanolamine lauryl sulfate 25.0 Lauric diethanolamide 5.0 Ethoxylated lanolin 2.0 Perfume 0.25 Water-soluble polyurethane 2.0 Water 65.75

While enhancing the texture of the skin, a bubble bath prepared in accordance with the above formulation also has improved foam stability.

EXAMPLE 16 A facial scrub was prepared in accordance with the following formulation:

The use of water-soluble polyurethane in a facial scrub combats the drying effect produced by the surface active agent employed, and leaves the skin with an excellent texture.

EXAMPLE 17 A foundation lotion was prepared in accordance with the following formulation:

Component: Percent by weight Mineral oil (345/355) 20.0 Lanolin 1.0 Glyceryl monostearate 3.5 Stearic acid 1.0 Cetyl alcohol 1.5 Polyoxyethylene glycol laurate 4.0 Propylene glycol linoleate 1.0 Triethanolamine 1.5 Water 64.3 Perfume 0.2 Water-soluble polyurethane 2.0

A foundation lotion prepared in accordance with the above formulation left an even residue on the skin, providing an excellent foundation for the application of additional makeup.

- EXAMPLE 18- A skin bronzer was prepared in accordance with the following formulation:

Component: Percent by weight Carboxy vinyl polymers 0.75 Ethoxylated oleyl alcohol 1.00 Ethanol 10.00 Ethoxylated lanolin 2.00 Water-soluble polyurethane 2.00 Triethanolamine 1.00 Water, including a coloring agent 83.25

In addition to improving the texture of the skin, the use of water-soluble polyurethane in skin colorant compositions such as the skin bronzer described above aids in an even application of the color, and helps eliminate rub off.

EXAMPLE 19 An eye shadow was prepared in accordance with the following formulation:

Component: Percent by weight Liquid cetyl alcohol 1.8 Sorbitan monooleate 0.4 Propylene glycol 6.5 Water 76.3 Magnesium aluminum silicate 2.0 Hydroxymethyl cellulose 1.0 Ethanol 10.0 Water-soluble polyurethane 2.0

Suitable quantities of pigments are added to the foregoing base formulation. The evenness of the application of the eye shadow was enhanced by the water-soluble polyurethane, and removability of the composition was also improved.

EXAMPLE 20 A facial mask was prepared in accordance with the following formulation:

Component: Percent by weight Bentonite 15.0 Titanium dioxide 2.0 Glycerin 4.0 Sulfonated castor oil 3.0 Water 73.0 Water-soluble polyurethane 2.0 Perfume 0.5 Preservative 0.5

The above facial mask formed a smooth, even film on the skin, and was also readily removable.

EXAMPLE 21 A hand lotion was prepared in accordance with the following formulation:

Component: Percent by weight Emulsifying wax 2.5 Lanolin 1.0 Myristyl lactate 1.0 Methyl parahydroxybenzoate 0.1 Propyl parahydroxybenzoate 0.05 Mineral oil 5.0 Glycerin 5.0 Water-soluble polyurethane 1.0 Water 84.1 Perfume 0.25

10 This hand product contributed an excellent texture to the skin.

EXAMPLE 22 A cream mascara was prepared in accordance with the following formulation:

Component: Percent by weight Stearic acid 9.1 Petrolatum (melting point=43 C.) 5.5 Mineral oil 65/75 9.1 Triethanolamine 2.75

Water 62.45 Pigments 9.1 Water-soluble polyurethane 2.0

The above mascara formulation gives smooth, even application, resists rub-off, yet is readily removable with water. EXAMPLE 23 A cleaning lotion was prepared in accordance with the following formulation:

Component: Percent by weight Triethanolamine 8.0 Mineral oil 65/75 35.0 Beeswax 2.0 Water 53.0 Water-soluble polyurethane 2.0

The useof water-soluble polyurethane in the above cleansing lotion resists the drying effect of the cleansing agent, and leaves the skin with a smooth texture.

EXAMPLE 24 A face powder was prepared in accordance with the following formulation:

Component: Percent by weight Kaolin 15.0 Calcium carbonate 10.0 Zinc oxide 15.0 Zinc stearate 5.0 Magnesium carbonate 5.0 Talc 47.5 Water-soluble polyurethane 2.0 Perfume 0.5

In the foregoing formulation, the perfume acts as a suitable plasticizer. The use of water-soluble polyurethane enhances evenness of application to the skin, and also enhances the texture achieved with face powder.

EXAMPLE 25 A lipstick was prepared in accordance with the following formulation:

A lipstick prepared in accordance with the above formulation gave smooth even application, and maintained a moist, pleasing feel to the lips.

1 1 EXAMPLE 26 A rouge was prepared in accordance with the following formulation:

The rouge prepared in accordance with the above formulation had excellent rub-out characteristics, resisted removal from the spin by abrasion, and gave an excellent texture.

EXAMPLE 27 A hard-milled soap was prepared in accordance with the following formulation:

Component: Percent by weight Sodium oleate 45.0 Sodium hydroxide 20.0 Glycerin 25.0 Water-soluble polyurethane 10.0

The above hard-milled soap left the face with a pleasing texture, and reduced the drying effect which soap often produces.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the invention as hereinbefore set forth may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications and variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. A method for cleaning the human skin while smoothing and reducing drying of the skin comprising applying thereto a cleaning composition consisting essentially of a cleansing component and from about 0.5 to about 20.0% by weight of water-soluble polyurethane, said polyurethane being characterized by the ability to be cast into a film which melts between about 20 C. and about 150 C., by a film extensibility of greater than 5%, by a breaking tensile strength as a 0.005-inch film, of at least pounds per square inch, and by viscosity, as a 25% aqueous solution of at least about 1000 centipoises at 25 C.; and said composition further consisting essentially of a plasticizer, said plasticizer being a co-solvent for said water-soluble polyurethane and the oils of said skin, and said plasticizer being present in an amount suflicient to serve as a co-solvent for said water-soluble polyurethane and for the oils of the human skin.

2. The method as defined in claim 1 wherein said composition further consists essentially of water.

3. The method as defined in claim 1 wherein said composition is a cleansing lotion.

4. The composition as defined in claim 1 wherein said composition is a waterless hand cleaner.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,462,237 8/ 1969 Sellet 8-94.21 3,438,940 4/ 1969 Keberle et al. 26067 3,427,272 2/ 1969 Bolinger et al. 2-60-29.2 3,419,533 12/ 1968 Dieterich 260-77.5 3,086,887 4/1963 Habib 117-1395 3,044,898 7/ 1962 Habib 117-76 3,002,937 10/1961 Parker et al 260-2.5 2,948,691 8/1960 Windemuth et al 260-2.5

OTHER REFERENCES Waterless Hand Cleaners, by M. N. Cruse & D. L. Miller, Soap & Chemical Specialties, November 1963, pp. 41, 42, 103 and 104.

LEON D. ROSDOL, Primary Examiner D. L. ALBRECHT, Assistant Examiner US. Cl. X.R.

ZSZ-DIGEST 2, 3, 5, 89, 118, 132, 522, 548; 260-292 

